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Image: photo of a computer keyboard in neutral tones, with the text: “To be seen as fully human, to have my thoughts and opinions, even feelings, validated, the demand is that I perform, that I do what others want, when they want, the way they want.” – Amy Sequenzia, “My Human Value is Inherent to My Existence,” awnnetwork.org

My Human Value is Inherent to My Existence

March 29, 2019

This article is not supposed to incite pity, or even anger. I am just hoping a few people will at least try to empathize with the many typists who are dismissed, ignored, attacked, dehumanized, silenced,…

Image description: sepia toned photo of a child's hands holding a teddy bear, with text: "A child who sounds like a little adult is still a child. A big vocabulary does not equal emotional maturity—especially for someone with a developmental disability. - CL Bridge, 'Actually, It's Crooked' awnnetwork.org"

“Actually, It’s Crooked”: Autism and Precocious Speech

August 21, 2018

When it was time for cake at my second birthday party, I sat at a table surrounded by smiling grown-ups. One of the grown-ups asked me a question. I don’t remember the question itself, but…

Image is a photo of Scrabble letter tiles, with five tiles on top spelling out the word DREAM. Text says "We don't have to prove that we deserve a voice. Typing to communicate is hard work, and it is about our individuality and identity. It is about what we want for ourselves and for our lives. - Amy Sequenzia, awnnetwork.org"

My Right to Communicate Does Not Depend On Your Bigotry

June 19, 2018

From time to time typed communication, and people like me who use typing as our chosen method of communication, are attacked and disrespected under the guise of “protecting our human rights”. Actually, the attacks never…

“In so many ways my gender and autism work in tandem. Even after I came out as trans something was missing. Finding out I was autistic made everything clearer,” Credence (pronouns he/him). Photo image is of Credence, printed with permission.

12 People On What It Felt Like To Discover Autism

May 19, 2018

After decades of oversight, autistic women, non-binary and transgender people are coming out of the shadows. For years researchers focused their studies on white middle-class boys and blinded the world to the unique ways autism…

Image description: Closeup photo of a gray couch and green wall, with text: Have you ever tried to make another client stop liking something just because you thought the thing they liked was childish? Have you ever told another client that if they interrupted you one more time, you would get up and leave? I hope you haven’t, but I suspect you have. - C.L. Bridge, awnnetwork.org

Dear Former Therapist, I Wish You Knew

May 17, 2018

If you were my therapist when I was seventeen to twenty years old, this letter is for you. In the beginning, I trusted you. I was eager to get help for my anxiety, which had…

Beyond Awareness: A Rallying Cry for Acceptance and Inclusion

April 18, 2018

April is a busy month in the Autistic community. What started out many years ago as an awareness campaign led by parents has now turned its focus towards what matters to actually Autistic people. Calling…

[COURTESY OF KEEP THE CHANGE] - image shows the two lead actors from behind as they walk down the boardwalk holding hands.

‘Keep The Change’ Is The Movie The Autistic Community Has Long Been Waiting For

April 9, 2018

Keep the Change is a heartwarming love story between two autistic adults played by no other than autistic actors. The film is cozy and funny without shying away from the reality of being autistic in…

Another Autism Awareness Month is Almost Here. Yay

March 31, 2018

I’m aware. I’m aware that the way that I am is considered “disordered” and wrong. That people expose laboratory mice to infections in order to try to recreate the way I naturally am. In their…

Image is a person seated at a table, mostly obscured by a tall stack of books. Text says, “Please remember that stereotypes about being good at something are still stereotypes. ~ C.L. Bridge, “Don’t Count on Stereotypes,” awnnetwork.org

Don’t Count on Stereotypes

March 16, 2018

At age sixteen, I sat in the backseat of my parents’ car, doing sums in my head. I pictured the numbers being written out on the back of the seat in front of me. Why…

Image of a pen on paper with a checkbox labeled “I Agree.” Text says, Their "niceness" is seen as success. I see compliance. I see a dependency of others telling them what and how they should feel, do, want, hope for, choose, live. ~ Amy Sequenzia, “Real Independence,” awnnetwork.org

Real Independence

March 2, 2018

Most people believe that the only valuable life achievement of a disabled person like me (non-speaking Autistic with high support needs) is “to be independent”. I already wrote about how the concept of independence is…

Sometimes you can’t find the words to say what you need or how you feel. Sometimes you know the words but can’t get them out. And even when the words do come out right, people don’t always listen. ~ C.L. Bridge, awnnetwork.org

To My Preteen Self

November 22, 2017

Original post for Autistics Speaking Day by C.L. Bridge Dear eleven-year-old me, Hello from the future! There are so many things I want to tell you. But first, I suppose I should explain what Autistics…

As adults, we should be the ones making decisions, even if we need help. Everyone has a story, wishes and thoughts. Advocating with us means giving us all the tools we need to express ourselves. ~ Amy Sequenzia, awnnetwork.org

Parenting and Advocating With Autistic Children

November 20, 2017

Parents of Autistic children have to learn how to advocate for supports in school, in the community, and even at home. This is not something that gets done after a few hours, or a few…

* All articles on this website are offered as personal viewpoints of the author and should never be a substitute for your medical recommendations. Always consult your personal healthcare professional before making changes to your prescribed or recommended health care plan.

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